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Vi Lyles
Party:
Democratic
Incumbent:
Yes
Previous experience in elected office:
Mayor of Charlotte (2017–present); Mayor Pro Tem (2015-2017); Charlotte City Council At-Large (2013–2017)
Age:
72
Occupation:
Mayor of Charlotte
Description:
Lyles is seeking a fifth term as mayor. She is the second-longest-serving Charlotte mayor (behind Pat McCrory) and is the first Black woman in the role. According to the Charlotte city council website, her accomplishments include expanding affordable housing, improving public safety and creating more economic opportunities for residents. She has also proposed reforms aimed at rebuilding public trust in city government following recent tensions among council members. She supports the transit tax referendum, arguing that it will “reduce congestion, stimulate economic opportunity and create a better quality of life." She was criticized in the national media and social media after the murder of Iryna Zarutska on a light rail train in August, after she initially suggested after the killing that society will “never arrest our way out [of] issues such [as] homelessness and mental health.” She later said the court system should be improved and that Charlotte would tighten security.
Other personal:
Lyles was raised in Columbia, South Carolina. She earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and government from Queens University in 1973 and an MPA from UNC Chapel Hill in 1975. She is a grandmother to two grandchildren at Trinity Episcopal School and two grandchildren in Washington DC. She has been widowed twice.
The Election Hub Questionnaire
Please provide demographic information about yourself to help voters (age, education, current occupation, where you live).
Mayor of Charlotte. Before being elected mayor, I served on City Council and was elected Mayor Pro Tem. Prior to being in public office, I also served as the city’s Assistant City Manager and Budget Director, creating Charlotte’s first capital budget. I’m a graduate of Queens University with a Bachelor’s in political science and hold a Master's in Public Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Why are you running for this role and why should voters pick you?
Since becoming mayor, we’ve made incredible strides in affordable housing, transportation, and economic mobility by continuing to bring jobs and more opportunity to Charlotte. We’ve tackled some of the city’s most pressing challenges through collaborative leadership and inclusive decision-making including investing in over $150 million in affordable housing initiatives; spearheading the $250 million Mayor’s Racial Equity Initiative; championing the transformative 2040 Comprehensive Plan; and prioritizing public transit improvements and mobility access. I’d like the opportunity to finish what we started by continuing to bring more job opportunities to the Queen City, supporting small and minority-owned businesses and working to improve transportation.
What is one thing you would like to accomplish in the first six months if elected?
Transportation continues to be a major conversation in Charlotte, and I’ve spent my years in office working hard on it as a major component of economic development and equity for our city. While we’ve made progress – including having the 1-cent sales tax in the ballot, with new families moving to Charlotte every day, it’s even more important that we provide affordable, reliable transportation options. Additionally, crime in Charlotte continues to be a focus as the city grows.
What is your position on the proposed transit tax and why? Will you vote in favor of it or against it in November?
I will absolutely be voting in favor of the proposed transit tax in November, as this has been an important goal for Charlotte. The goal is to reduce congestion and improve safety throughout the region, and I’ve worked hard on our transportation plans since coming into office, understanding the enormous growth that Charlotte was to – and now has – experienced. By passing the proposed tax, transit will be expanded including building the Red Line, extending the Blue Line and enhancing bus service as 40 percent of the money would be dedicated to roads, 40 percent on rail transit; and the additional 20 percent would be invested in the bus system and new microtransit, which we are already beginning to see in parts of Charlotte.
What endorsements from any notable NC organizations or individuals have you received?
Black Political Caucus
Tell us something unexpected about you that voters may be interested to know.
(The candidate did not respond.)